1. Keeping in mind the material covered in this lesson, describe how you understand ideology in YOUR OWN WORDS.

A) I believe ideology is the way society is structured by separate belief systems. The rules and codes that are learned and/or taught by (e.g., environment, parent(s), teacher, etc) those within your community from childhood to adulthood.

B) An example of ideology from what I stated above can be how a certain group or individual may believe that snitching on a perpetrator should be a punishable offense even though the perp is in the wrong. It is the environment that one has grown up in that has shaped that belief.

C)

I understand ideology shapes everyone in one way or another. From a capitalist standpoint to religious views. For example some Christians may condemn those who partake in homosexuality— while someone like Jay-z may have voted for Republican Party because it benefits him from a fiscal standpoint.

2. How do you understand the difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics? What seem to be the big differences, the dividing line? Given an example to backup your arguments.

I understand conservatives to be about capitalism, making the rich richer and keeping the poor where they are at because if everyone is rich then who is going to keep their businesses running. Liberals are more dependent on government assistance (e.g., food stamps, section 8, etc) and believe healthcare should be an available to all no matter your financial background. Liberals hope for equality and conservatives desire liberty.

3. How do you understand Althusser’s definition of ideology? Paraphrase it in your own words.

Althusser’s definition of ideology is how one’s views are shaped by their environment, parents, or even their religious upbringing. For example: A Christian who grew up in a household where secular music was condemned.